7 Common Dental Problems and When to See a Dentist About Them

Common dental problems can be a literal (and figurative!) “pain” to deal with. Many of us think that “the pain will eventually go away” and that there’s no time or need to make that dentist appointment any time soon. The truth is, that common dental problems can also be an early warning sign that you have other serious health concerns heading your way.

Dental diseases are often linked to other health problems such as bronchial infections, rheumatoid arthritis or cardiac disease. Regular dental checkups, therefore, can not only keep your smile bright but help you head off bigger medical problems further down the road.

Common Dental Problems

Read further about the most common dental problems and why they warrant a trip to see the dentist sooner rather than later.

1. Toothaches

Most toothaches are caused by an inflammation of the tooth’s inner core, called the pulp. The pulp houses the tooth’s nerves and blood vessels that provide the tooth’s nutrients. The pulp extends down each root and canal of the tooth and stops at the tip of the tooth.

Toothaches show up when our dental pulp becomes inflamed. This condition is called pulpitis. Pulpitis is commonly caused by bacterial infection that accompanies other dental issues such as a cracked tooth or impacted wisdom teeth.

If a patient is suffering from a toothache, they should schedule time with their dentist as soon as possible, to identify the cause of the pain. A toothache could be a sign of a dying tooth. Dentists will treat the underlying cause of the toothache and recommend either antibiotics or tooth extraction.

2. Tooth Sensitivity

Tooth sensitivity involves the quick pain and discomfort you feel when cold or hot substances pass over your teeth. Patients suffering from sensitive tooth issues even describe feeling a sharp, sudden rush of pain when they breathe in cold air.

Others describe similar sensations when they brush or floss their teeth.
The tooth’s pulp is surrounded by a protective layer of tissue called Dentin. When our tooth’s dentin becomes exposed, these pulp’s nerves and blood vessels get irritated.

Dentin may be worn down by harsh brushing, receding gums or teeth whitening treatments. Patients who are suffering from tooth sensitivity should see their dentist immediately to discuss possible in-office treatments like dentin sealers. Dentists may also recommend at-home treatments like using high fluoride toothpaste or a fluoride rinse.

3. Root Infection

Root infections occur when a pocket, or abscess, of dying tooth pulp and bacteria, grows within the tooth’s root canals. When severe root infections start to create sore facial swelling, that’s the time to seek emergency dental care immediately.

Your dentist will probably perform a root canal procedure immediately. This procedure involves drilling a hole at the top of the infected tooth to clear away the bacteria that has accumulated inside. When a suction tool removes the infected pulp, the cleared tooth is filled with strengthening material that prevents future bacteria from growing inside the tooth.

Dry mouth is often a side effect from taking prescription medications. These prescription medications may be helping you fight bigger medical problems that take priority over tooth decay or cavities. Increasing your water consumption is probably the best answer to increasing your saliva production and preventing future dental diseases.

5. Gum (Periodontal) Disease

Gum disease strikes when the gum tissue surrounding the teeth are infected. Adults over the age of 30 are usually vulnerable to gum disease, The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that almost half of all adults over the age of 30, has gum disease.

There are types of gum disease: periodontist and gingivitis. People infected with gingivitis, will have gums that are red, swollen or bleeding. Periodontist is the advanced stage of gingivitis that deteriorates gums and tooth supporting bones.

Patients with pre-existing health conditions such as heart disease and diabetes are also prone to gum diseases. You can read more now about the symptoms of gum disease, and the risks involved if this condition goes untreated.

They’ll be able to discuss possible treatments such as gum grafting surgery or antibiotics to prevent further complications.

6. Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ)

Temporomandibular Joints are muscles that act like hinges that attach your skull to your mouth. These muscles allow you to open and close your mouth so that you can yawn, eat or speak. TMJ disorder causes pain in your jaw movement and is usually characterized by aches and pains below your ears, or clicking sounds from your jaw when you yawn or chew.

TMJ is often associated with stress because it’s believed to lead to teeth grinding while you’re asleep. Medical professionals will try address the source of stress in a patient’s life to cure the signs of TMJ. Patients may be advised to also wear mouthguards at night to protect their teeth.

7. Oral Cancer

The Oral Cancer Foundation estimates that someone dies every hour from oral cancer in the US. Patients over 40 years old who smoke, chew tobacco or have high alcohol consumption are at risk of oral cancer.

Oral cancer symptoms of throat or mouth cancers include lumps and sores in the mouth. Other symptoms also include difficulty swallowing, moving the tongue or troubles chewing food. Your dentist can perform an oral cancer exam at your next checkup to determine if a course for treatment is necessary.

Next Steps

Do any of these common dental problems sound familiar? Have you been putting off a trip to your dentist because “you’re just too busy?” Hopefully, this article will get you to change your mind and make that appointment today.

Talk to your dentist about proper brushing and flossing techniques. If you’re over 30, ask your dentist about the many gum disease treatments available such as gum grafting surgery or antibiotics to prevent further complications.

Don’t forget to check our blog for other helpful dental health advice. Let us help you “brush up” on the facts you need to keep your smile dazzling!